Springbok Women dominate Uganda in 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup opener
Patience Mokone of the Bulls Daisies scored a brace on debut for SA in the Rugby Africa Women's Cup opener against Uganda in Madagascar.
The Springbok Women got their 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup opener against Uganda in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Saturday off to a flyer with a comprehensive 62-7 victory over the Lady Cranes that featured several try-scoring debuts.
Lock Anathi Qolo captained the South African side that boasted a combined 174 caps.
And despite being expected to dominate the scrum with their powerful pack, the Ugandans more than held their own in that aspect of play. The swirling wind made line-out throw-ins and clearance kicks difficult for both teams, though.
The power of the SA pack was soon on display in the loose, however. Prop Xoliswa Khuzwayo and flank Lerato Makua were prominent, with strong, tackle-busting runs in midfield as the Bok Women kept the ball tight in the early exchanges.
It was a tactic that seemed to catch the Lady Cranes off guard as they scrambled on defence in the face of mismatches.
Qolo marked her debut as skipper with a fine opening try that was the result of sustained pressure on the Uganda tryline and quick ball through the hands, dotting down under the posts.
Springbok Women's flyhalf Mary Zulu added the conversion (7-0).
Uganda were struggling to cope with the rush defence from the Springboks, who dominated the battle for territory and possession, as expected.
Bok Women's fullback Byrhandrѐ Dolf was growing in influence as the half wore on. She showed great hands to set up winger Simamkhele Namba on the right wing to score in the corner (12-0). Zulu missed the conversion.
The Lady Cranes were forced increasingly onto the back foot. No 8 Faith Tshauke also opened her account on debut after a rolling maul off a line-out was briefly repelled by Uganda.
Uganda showed the intent to give the ball air on occasion, finding room out wide. But the Boks were in uncompromising mood on defence as they snuffed out any potential danger.
The Boks showed slick hands of their own, with the ball eventually ending up in Dolf's hands as they attacked at pace. The skillful fullback sidestepped a few tackles before making the score 22-0. Zulu landed the conversion this time, to extend the lead (24-0).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Plumtree regrets Sharks' missed opportunities but praises Bulls' defence in their URC semi-final win
Sharks coach John Plumtree rued his team's missed opportunities in Saturday night's 25-13 loss to the Bulls in the URC semi-final but praised the Bulls for keeping his team out. The Bulls are through to the final against Leinster in Dublin on Saturday. 'Overall, we were disappointed with our performance; we had plenty of opportunities to win the game,' Plumtree said. 'With five minutes to go before half-time, we put the Bulls under pressure, they conceded two yellow cards, but we were not good enough to finish them off.' Plumtree said that it should have been closer to 15-15 at half-time. Instead, the Sharks were behind 15-3. 'After half-time, we felt that if we got our game going a bit more, and played a bit flatter on the gain line, we could up the pressure. We did that and scored a few nice tries. 'Later in the game, we were not good enough. Credit to the Bulls — their defence was outstanding, especially in defending their line. They had a massive crowd cheering them on, and that made it a pretty tough nut to crack tonight.' Plumtree said the game lived up to the pre-game hype that it would be a South African clash of giants. 'It was very physical out there. There were a lot of injuries. I hope Cameron (Hanekom) is not too badly hurt,' Plumtree said of an unfortunate sight of the Bulls' No 8 being taken off the field on a golf cart. 'It was great to see so many people here tonight. We get the best URC crowds here in South Africa. 'From my side, I have loved this season with the boys to get to this point, but we are disappointed that we have not kicked on. 'We had plenty of territory and plenty of ball, but we could not convert it into points. We have to congratulate the Bulls. They were pretty good, and we were just a little bit off tonight.'
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs miss out on star Portuguese-based defender?
Kaizer Chiefs may have just let a potential defensive gem slip through their fingers. South African right-back Mhleli Mabuza completed a week-long trial at Naturena, but the club has yet to make a move, raising eyebrows among supporters. The 24-year-old, known for his attacking flair and European pedigree, now looks set to pursue new opportunities after Chiefs' puzzling silence. Mabuza, who spent time training under the watchful eyes of the Chiefs' technical team, saw his assessment coincide with the final two matches of the Betway Premiership season, a period typically focused on squad closure rather than scouting. Despite this timing, hopes remained high that Amakhosi would follow up. But no offer has arrived. 'He has an offer from Portugal which he must act on before the end of June. But there's also interest locally from a number of other clubs,' a source revealed to the publication FARPost . Before returning for the Chiefs trial, Mabuza completed a standout season in Portugal. He played for Louletano DC, where he not only anchored the defence but also contributed a stunning nine assists, earning the title of Best Right-Back in the Campeonato de Portugal. His performances didn't go unnoticed. A newly-promoted Portuguese third-tier club has already tabled a contract offer. Mabuza moved to Europe back in 2018 after impressing in friendly matches. His journey in Portugal wasn't easy, but his development has been clear. 'It was not easy. The style of play, the language, the culture, everything was different,' he admitted. While Kaizer Chiefs remain undecided, other PSL clubs are circling. AmaZulu FC, TS Galaxy, and Sekhukhune United are all reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Mabuza's contract with Louletano has officially expired, making him a free agent and an attractive option for local sides looking to strengthen their defence without transfer fees. However, the European offer comes with a ticking clock, the deal must be finalised before 30 June. The question now is. Will Kaizer Chiefs step up, or will they let another star walk away? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Spotted: Sundowns' squad for the FIFA Club World Cup
We're edging so close. Mamelodi Sundowns are ready to fly the South African flag at the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. The Betway Premiership champions have submitted their 26-man squad to FIFA. Sundowns will jet out of the OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday evening. The tournament will feature the world's biggest clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester City and the UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain. Some surprise omissions include Thapelo Maseko, Keagan Johannes, Jody February, Lucas Suarez and Terrance Mashego. Kabo Yellow's FIFA Club World Cup 2025 squad. Image: FIFA In the meantime, Sundowns are leaving on Sunday for the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. Kabo Yellow have been drawn in Group F alongside South Korea's Ulsan HD FC, German giants Borussia Dortmund, and Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense. Wednesday, 18 June: Ulsan vs Sundowns at 00:00 from the Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando, USA. Saturday, 21 June: Sundowns vs Dortmund at 18:00 from the QTL Stadium, Cincinnati, USA. Wednesday, 25 June: Sundowns vs Fluminese at 21:00 from the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, USA. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
